Description
SERC (betahistine) is a medication designed to address recurring episodes of vertigo associated with Ménière’s disease.
Ménière’s disease is characterized by an accumulation of excess fluid within the ear canals, disrupting the nerves responsible for detecting position, movement, and balance. Individuals with Ménière’s disease experience recurrent bouts of vertigo that can significantly impact their daily lives.
SERC operates by modulating histamine-1 and histamine-3 receptors found on the surface of inner ear nerve cells. These interactions appear to reduce the availability of histamine for activating these nerve cells. Additionally, SERC enhances blood flow to the inner ear and slows down nerve signals within the lateral and medial vestibular nuclei.
It’s important to note that the FDA has not granted approval for SERC for any specific use in the United States. However, SERC is widely utilized in both Europe and Canada.